Just a bite.

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I finally was in shape to look over the delicacies ordered and recently received.  True salamis, fine cheeses, and a pate... if that last awaits either a bread I can crisp, a solid bread, or a right cracker.  I picked a mild salami and an extreme aged gouda.  I was a bit nervous about the gouda.  Not so much because it was a gouda, but because of the extreme aging.  Sometimes, or of the very aged cheeses I have tasted, long aging can make them quite chalky, and either extremely (too) flavorful or dull.  My guess is smaller doses and acquired taste, things I don't always have the patience to obtain or always in a natural state.

In this case, the gouda, even with, or more because of, the extreme aging was absolutely fantastic.  And paired wonderfully with the mild salami.  Even mild, the salami held it's own, and offered a reasonable contrast to the rather potent gouda.  I think it is the texture of a good salami that will help the balance.  The gouda was indeed aged quite long.  There were layers of salt inside, that... how to put it.  Have you have eaten a coated candy, like a skittle or m&m?  Yes, well, think that but salty, or briny, but just about as crispy or crunchy as that, but running through the cheese, on the inside, in sheets parallel to each other.  To me it was not overwhelming, just quite right.  Both, on their own, and together, were a great treat.

Oh, but what is interesting, is that these foods are perfect for right now.  I get so full so quickly, and yet am so hungry.  Usually I end up eating just a typical meal and ending up stuffed.  With this food, it is so rich that just a little dab does me just right.  I end up not overeating, or feeling like I have.  And yet I end up quite satisfied.  Seriously, this type of food is expensive, but you... or at least I... can't eat too much.  Something in the brain says all is good after just a small platter.  Oh... the next time I am in town I definitely need to look for some fresh fruit to pair some of these things with.  Grapes would be very good, as would pears if I can find some I trust, even apples.  I am not sure about citrus, but I would certainly give that a chance should I find citrus types in full flavor.

Ah, the company is called igourmet.  This is not an advertisement, just a word of mouth thing.  I receive no commissions.  I strongly doubt any of my readers have any such tastes.  Since childhood, family and friends have thought my tastes and mannerisms to be... very old style European.  I've been accused of playing a role.  I assure you, you cannot like well ages salami, or cheese, or various other foods like pate, just by accident.  You certainly can't fake it.  Why I enjoy it some of these things, or eat with two pieces of flatware, or some other things, is quite a query.  I have thoughts as to why.  No more.  Anyway.  If you like those items, can't find them locally, and just want a taste of the old world... there you go.  Hmm, they do sell geese too.  I need to ask some folk how big of a turkey they usually by, and see if geese and turkey are similar in proportions.  I figure, this year, delivering a touch of the exotic to some kindly local folk would be a good thing.

Family love, I am one to know, does not always have to be of blood.  For I have no full blood kin.  I would love to do a goose myself, but it is far too much food.  And, as I am finding, a bit pricey.  As a gift, though, a few to some for Thanksgiving, a few for Christmas, perhaps I will hear back how good the food is.  Oh, and I will look up details regarding cooking the fowl beasts, and print that out.  Hmm, and probably ask if such a gift would be too much.  Some may not have an oven of that size, or a roaster to suit.

Funny thing?  As the want of geese dies, so has the bird.  When something isn't useful to man, or preferred, it seems to go away.  Sad, truly.  So few geese these days, a one time regular food item.  Later... or good night.  Most likely later.  :p  I don't know!